Tuesday July 25, 2023

Today is Tuesday, July 25 and we are studying what the Bible says about perseverance.

I come to this time of prayer and intentionally slow down. I breathe deeply, release the tension of the day and invite God to speak to me in the stillness of this quiet space.

Pause and Pray

God, thank you for loving me. I am grateful for your promises that remind me I am not alone on this pilgrim journey, but you walk with me. Hold my hand. Lead me, guide me, encourage me and strengthen my steps. Amen.

In the morning, I seek the presence of the Lord my God and lift up the words of Psalm 123.

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us, for we have endured no end of contempt. We have endured no end of ridicule from the arrogant, of contempt from the proud. Psalm 123:3-4

Pause and Pray

As I continue this week’s theme of perseverance, I turn to the Apostle Paul who reminds me that the fruit of perseverance is born out of suffering and leads to additional virtues. When I encounter suffering and trials in this life (and all Christians will) I find hope in God. According to Paul, for the Christian, suffering actually leads to hope through the chain reactions of increased perseverance and stronger character.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:1-4

I consider what I might call my current “suffering,” whether it is big or small. What are the daily trials I face? Today I might encounter relationship challenges, physical pain, threat of illness, financial concerns or problems at home and work. Maybe I await the result of medical tests or struggle with the discomfort of a chronic injury. Perhaps it is that difficult person in my life who continues to weigh me down. Whatever suffering or trials there are for me, I too can hope in the glory of God. I can allow today’s trials to increase my perseverance, strengthen my character and give me hope in every circumstance.

Ask: How have past trials increased or decreased my perseverance, character and hope? How might I approach my trials differently in the future?

Pause and Pray

Lord God, thank you for the peace I have because of Jesus. I am grateful for the access to grace in which I stand before you because of Christ’s sacrificial love. I am confident in the hope of your glory that lives in me daily. I will not shy away from life’s trials because I know the smallest suffering produces perseverance, increases character and fills me with the joy of your hope. I read the words from Romans again and listen for the message you have for me.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:1-4

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I consider if I have truly claimed the hope of God for my life. I ruminate on the depths of Paul’s declaration on the state of my soul. I have been justified through faith. I have peace with God. I have gained access to God by faith. I stand in the grace of God. I boast in the hope of God’s glory. Even though I might suffer in this lifetime and face trials of many kinds, even though I might struggle through seasons of challenge and uncertainty, I am not alone. God is with me. God will use any suffering the world brings to grow virtues in me – raising me up to persevere through trials, strengthening my core character and giving me a hope that will be an anchor in every storm.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, thank you for loving me. Come into my day, my home, my life, my work, and my relationships. Show me the places of challenge and trial and fill me with an overwhelming inspiration to persevere. I know that you are with me and will comfort me. In your wisdom you know the way over, under, around and through. Amen.

For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:5-7

I leave this time of prayer abiding in the comfort of my Savior, I go to comfort others in their trials, suffering and pain.

Amen